GCC Hails Saudi Arabia's Pivotal Role in Success of Arab Summit

General view of the Arab League Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2023. (Saudi Royal Court/Handout via Reuters)
General view of the Arab League Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2023. (Saudi Royal Court/Handout via Reuters)
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GCC Hails Saudi Arabia's Pivotal Role in Success of Arab Summit

General view of the Arab League Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2023. (Saudi Royal Court/Handout via Reuters)
General view of the Arab League Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2023. (Saudi Royal Court/Handout via Reuters)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi hailed on Friday the success of the 32nd Arab Summit that was held in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah.

In a statement, he highlighted the pivotal role played by Saudi Arabia and the Arab League in the success of the summit and its positive outcomes for Arab countries.

He expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their efforts and full support in ensuring the summit was a success.

He noted that the event was held amid critical circumstances with leaders meeting to discuss important issues and mechanisms to bolster regional cooperation.

Albudaiwi added that the summit is an essential platform for consultation and cooperation among Arab countries and an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern among member states.

The success of the summit boosts the Arab world’s ability to address future challenges and achieve sustainable development and prosperity for their people, he remarked.



Saudi Arabia Condemns Cafe Bombing in Damascus

Saudi Arabia Condemns Cafe Bombing in Damascus
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Cafe Bombing in Damascus

Saudi Arabia Condemns Cafe Bombing in Damascus

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom's condemnation and denunciation of the bombing that targeted a cafe in the Hejaz district of the Syrian capital, Damascus, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of people.

The ministry stated in a press release: "The Kingdom affirms its solidarity with the brotherly Syrian Arab Republic against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism, and expresses its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Syria, wishing the injured a speedy recovery."


US Central Command Hosts Regional Security Dialogue in Bahrain

Participants pose for a family photo at the Bahrain conference. (CENTCOM)
Participants pose for a family photo at the Bahrain conference. (CENTCOM)
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US Central Command Hosts Regional Security Dialogue in Bahrain

Participants pose for a family photo at the Bahrain conference. (CENTCOM)
Participants pose for a family photo at the Bahrain conference. (CENTCOM)

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it led a regional security dialogue hosted by the Bahrain Defense Force on Wednesday to discuss the regional security environment and ways to strengthen defense cooperation across the Middle East.

The Strategic Allied Military Dialogue brought together senior defense officials from 12 countries, who reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting was attended by CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Coope and senior military officials from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

According to CENTCOM, Cooper said the United States “continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with our regional partners,” adding that the discussions underscored a shared commitment to regional security and stability.

The United States and regional partners operate the world’s most sophisticated and largest active air and missile defense umbrella across the Middle East. In January, CENTCOM and regional countries established a new Middle Eastern Air Defense coordination cell for sharing information and threat warnings as well as responding to contingencies.

Officials are seen at the conference in Bahrain. (BNA)

The security dialogue marked the first time military leaders from Syria and Lebanon participated in a regional defense conference led by the United States.

Speaking at the event, Bahraini Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi said the region is experiencing rapid developments and profound geopolitical shifts following Iran’s “treacherous and criminal attacks” targeting national security, sovereignty, and civilian infrastructure.

Al Nuaimi said the region’s exceptional geopolitical and economic importance requires a clear understanding of current and future challenges and the development of comprehensive strategic solutions based on collective resolve.

Closer cooperation, greater cohesion, and stronger unity are essential to confronting regional threats with determination, he stressed.


Bahrain's King Discusses Regional Security with CENTCOM Commander

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa held talks with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.
Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa held talks with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.
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Bahrain's King Discusses Regional Security with CENTCOM Commander

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa held talks with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.
Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa held talks with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly in defense and military fields, during a meeting with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.

The two sides underscored the importance of continued coordination and cooperation between the two countries to support regional and international security and stability.

The talks also covered regional and international developments, including the latest developments in the region, efforts to enhance security and stability, the Iranian attacks targeting the region, and other issues of mutual interest.

King Hamad praised the close ties and ongoing coordination between Bahrain and the United States, highlighting progress in bilateral cooperation, particularly in defense and military coordination.

He also commended the United States' pivotal role in safeguarding regional security and stability and promoting international peace.